June 4, 2007

THIBODAUX, La. - Nicholls head volleyball coach Chris Laird announced the 2007 volleyball schedule Monday afternoon, which will include nine home matches in Stopher Gymnasium.

Nicholls will begin its 2007 campaign at the War Eagle Invitational, hosted by Auburn University, August 24-25. Other teams participating in the tournament are tournament-host Auburn, Troy and Tennessee State.

"We are excited about playing in the Auburn Tournament," said Laird. "All three teams will provide a big challenge for us to start the season."

The Colonels will spend the first month of the season away from Stopher Gymnasium. During that time, Nicholls will take part in three additional tournaments, held at the University of New Orleans, the University of Memphis and Alabama State University.

The Colonels will return to Stopher on September 21 when they open up Southland Conference action against Lamar. This will be the first of five consecutive home matches for the Colonels, all of which will be against SLC foes. Laird is hoping his team will take advantage of this opportunity to get off to a good start in conference play.

"It is huge that we start the conference season at home," added Laird. "The Southland is always a tough conference, so to be able to have the first five matches at Stopher is a great opportunity for us, and something we will need to take advantage of."

After the extended homestand, which will last until an October 6 home match against Northwestern State, Nicholls will take to the road to face Lamar on October 12 and McNeese State the following day, before returning home again for two conference games. In the first of those two games, the Colonels will host defending SLC champion Stephen F. Austin on October 20. The Ladyjacks claimed the 2006 conference regular season title, the SLC Tournament title and defeated Alabama in the opening round of the 2006 NCAA Tournament, before falling to Texas in the Regionals. Nicholls will square off against Sam Houston State on October 21 before, once again, taking to the road for a three-game road trip.

The Colonels will close out their 2007 home slate with matches against Texas State, on November 2, and Texas-Arlington, on November 3. Nicholls will conclude the regular season on the road. On November 9, the Colonels will travel to Conway, Arkansas, to face Central Arkansas. Their final regular season game will be the following day, as they do battle with Northwestern State, in Natchitoches.

For tickets to all of the Colonels' home matches, contact the Athletic Department Ticket Office at (985) 448-4791.

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